The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1285

Gordon eyed Arabella as she emerged in her white pajamas, his gaze quickly darting away.

"Miss Bella, I'll stand guard outside tonight. You should get some rest."

"There's no need," she dismissed, "Even if ten more showed up, they wouldn't be a match for me. Go home."

"I'll leave you to rest then, Miss Bella." Gordon closed the door, with his heart fluttering like a hummingbird.

The next morning, Arabella woke to find Gordon dozing by her bedroom door.

"Why didn't you go home?"

"Miss Bella, you're awake." Gordon straightened up immediately. "I couldn't rest until I knew you were safe. I'll go report to Mr. Bard now."

Arabella found the boy's loyalty surprising and gave him a nod of approval.

In the absence of six men, the mansion was steeped in anxiety.

At breakfast, Arabella noticed the servants' unease, their fear palpable.

It seemed her presence had disrupted the peace of the household.

Seeing their apprehension, Arabella spoke in a calming tone, "Don't be scared. Have a seat and join me."

Her words, however, brought tears to the servants' eyes. They weren't hungry. They were scared that Arabella would label them as traitors and have Gordon arrest them.

"Miss Bella, I hope the breakfast I made is to your liking."

After Arabella had eaten the dinner prepared by Arthur and Bowen last night, they were arrested.

So, this morning, no one dared to make her breakfast.

In the end, it was Abbey who gathered the courage.

Terrified that if Miss Bella found it unsatisfactory, she might be next.

"Miss Bella, are Arthur and the others really traitors?" A servant asked.

"Last night, I saw Gordon surrounding the mansion and taking away Arthur and five others. Someone said they were traitors."